SUMMARY:
This act makes people liable for failing to contain “running bamboo” (i.
e.
, bamboo in the genus Phyllostachys, including yellow-groove bamboo) on their property beginning October 1, 2013.
It requires a 100-foot setback from (1) abutting property or (2) a public right of way, for running bamboo planted after that date, unless it is properly contained.
It also requires people who sell or install running bamboo to educate customers on the plant's growing habits, the act's provisions, and recommended containment methods.

The act subjects violators of its (1) setback and containment provisions to a $100 fine per day of violation and (2) education requirements to a $100 fine per plant sold.
Fines may be mailed to the Centralized Infractions Bureau without a court appearance.

The act prohibits people from allowing running bamboo to grow beyond their property boundaries.
Beginning October 1, 2013, it makes people who plant running bamboo, or allow it to be planted, on their property liable for any damage the bamboo causes to neighboring properties, including the cost of removing any bamboo that spread to neighboring property.

SETBACK OR CONTAINMENT REQUIRED

The act requires anyone planting or allowing running bamboo to be planted on his or her property after October 1, 2013 to plant it at least 100 feet from an abutting property or public right-of-way.
But it allows a person to plant it within 100 feet if the running bamboo is properly contained.
The containment system must be (1) a properly constructed and maintained barrier system or (2) an above ground container that does not allow the bamboo to come in contact with the ground's soil.

Violators are subject to a $100 fine, and each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.

EDUCATING PURCHASERS

The act requires retail sellers and installers of running bamboo to provide buyers with a statement that includes:

1.
a disclosure that running bamboo is a fast growing plant that may spread if not properly contained;

2.
a plain language summary of the act's containment requirements and liability provisions;
and

3.
recommendations on how to properly contain the bamboo, based on the best available information.

Violators are subject to a $100 fine for each plant sold without the required statement.